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Skintillates is a wearable technology that mimics tattoos - the oldest and most commonly used on-skin displays in human culture. We demonstrate that by fabricating electrical traces and thin electronics on temporary tattoo paper, a wide array of displays and sensors can be created. Just like the traditional temporary tattoos often worn by children and adults alike, Skintillates flex naturally with the user's skin. Our simple fabrication technique also enables users to freely design and print with a full range of colors to create application-specific customized designs. We demonstrate the technical capabilities of Skintillates as sensors and as expressive personal and private displays through a series of application examples. Finally, we detail the results of a set of user studies that highlight the user experience, comfort, durability, acceptability, and application potential for Skintillates.

Background: Clinical outcomes of tattoo removal vary widely among different patients; it is known that tattoo‐related features (such as pigments' type or quality, the use of multicolored inks, tattoo location size, location, layering, and duration) and personal habits (as smoking or skin phototype) could influence the clinical response to treatment, the possible role of nutrition in affecting the laser treatment of tattoos has never been investigated. Aims: This study aims to compare the clinical response of tattoos removal between omnivore and vegan patients treated with Q‐switched laser (QSL). Patients/Methods: Twenty omnivore and twenty vegan patients treated for professional black tattoo removal with Nd:YAG QSL were enrolled in this study. The number of laser sessions and the median days required for complete healing were recorded; clinical improvement was evaluated 4 weeks after the last laser session. Results: The two groups were not different at the baseline in terms of sex, age, skin phototype, tattoos' age, location, and density. Vegans needed more laser sessions (p < 0.001) to achieve the best outcome, showed worst clinical responses (p = 0.001) and needed more days for complete healing (p = 0.006) compared to omnivores. Conclusion: The results of this study point out the influence of vegan diet on QLS removal of tattoos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The treatment of allergic reactions to red tattoo dye is challenging in most cases, as local therapy often does not offer longterm improvement and laser therapy is considered relatively contraindicated by many authors owing to the risk of generalized side effects. Therefore, surgical removal of these tattoos is favored; shave excision is the method of choice, particularly for the removal of the entire dye. Aims: The aim of this article was to retrospectively analyze the best post-operative outcome after surgical removal of allergic tattoo reactions using different excision techniques. Materials and Methods: We compared the different surgical procedures performed on seven patients with single and multiple allergic tattoo reactions treated between 2013 and 2018. Results: The best aesthetic results were achieved by superficial ablation of the inflammatory reaction, partially leaving tattoo remains in the skin. Conclusion: Based on our experience with this small number of patients, a superficial removal of the tattoo without complete removal of the dye is, in most cases, sufficient to achieve healing. The remaining dye residues seem to be better tolerated by the immune system afterwards. Furthermore, the tattoo is often preserved in large parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tattoos are signs, pictures and decorations formed by the permanent processing of a dye under the skin. The person reflects one or more of the person or community characteristics such as age, gender, education level, class, belief style by getting a tattoo on her body. The reasons for getting a tattoo have changed over time. In traditional culture, the tattoo is done for reasons such as belonging to the community, beauty, and puberty. The reasons for modern tattooing differ from person to person. This study has opened the question of woman's willingness to maintain or reconstruct their established femininity roles with their tattooing preferences. The study was carried out in İstanbul Büyükçekmece Beach, in July 2021, by interviewing 16 people. Participants of the study (among those with at least one tattoo) were determined by purposive sampling. In the study, it was concluded that the tattoo is a mark on the body that reminds women that they are different. In addition, it was revealed that personal differences depending on age, education level, and gender determine tattoo preferences. Among the participants, tattooing is mostly preferred by the low-educated and young people. The data obtained from the study showed that this perception (similar to the change of tattoo in the historical process) was transformed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Athar alrafedain is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During the period of stagnation in Kraków’s theatre culture in the 2nd half of the 18th century, an opera entitled Rivals, or the Tattoo in Kraków [Rywale czyli czapstrzyk w Krakowie] was created by Kacper Meciszewski (libretto) and Zagórski (music; not preserved to this day), unknown by first name. Although mentioned several times in the theatre studies literature, it has not been by far a subject of separate musicological research. This opera is an example of a work that can be described as a 'burgeois opera', i.e. a model of magnate operas, regarding to both theme and structure of the libretto, as well as to musical arrangement, transferred to the middle class standards and entrepreneurial capabilities of that time. Seemingly non-original, secondary and, due to its provincial character, relevant only to the 18th century residents of the former capital city, it seems to have a slightly deeper meaning. In order to understand the significance of Rivals in its full, this article will present the history of the comedy’s creation and staging, an analysis of the libretto and a hypothetical form of musical setting in the context and in comparison with analogous operas of that period. For a better understanding of the title tattoo meaning, the history of its creation and reception as well as the condition of Kraków regiment band will be outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an immediate chronological link between Durkheim's criminology courses on crime and punishment, taught between 1892 and 1894, and his first course in religious sociology (1894–1895). Both are included in the cycles of 'General Physics of Law and Morals'. Beyond this observation, the emphasis here is on six points that intellectually connect the two fields of study, always analyzed separately by the commentators of his work. Crime is in itself a means of revealing social solidarity, and the religion that carries it. The penalty is at the articulation between criminal law and religion. The evolution of penalty marks the progressive elimination of the religious substance of modern criminal laws. Durkheim outlines a theory of the sacred by reflecting on the respect and authority of the law. There are also suggestive digressions that link the tattoos of criminals to the institution of totemism. Finally, his typology of crimes is an opportunity to transform religion into an 'explanatory variable', rather than a 'variable to be explained'. Il existe un lien chronologique entre les cours de criminologie de Durkheim sur le crime et la peine en 1892–1894 et son premier cours de sociologie religieuse, dit de la révélation (1894–1895), qui se succèdent sans transition. Les deux domaines s'inscrivent d'ailleurs dans les cycles de 'Physique générale du droit et des mœurs.' Au-delà de ce constat, cet article met l'accent sur six points qui relient intellectuellement les deux domaines d'études, toujours analysés séparément par les commentateurs de son œuvre. Le crime est en soi un moyen de révéler la solidarité sociale et la religion qui la porte. En outre, la pénalité est le lieu d'articulation entre le droit pénal et la religion. Quant aux les 'lois de l'évolution pénale', elles manifestent l'élimination progressive de la substance religieuse des droits criminels modernes. Durkheim esquisse dans sa sociologie criminelle une théorie du sacré en réfléchissant au respect et à l'autorité de la loi, qui est transcendante. On évoque également les digressions suggestives dans lesquelles il rattache les tatouages des criminels à l'institution du totémisme. Enfin, on montre que sa typologie des crimes est l'occasion de transformer la religion en 'variable explicative', plutôt qu'en 'variable à expliquer', ce qui ne manque pas de lui conférer une objectivité scientifique considérable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The finding of lymphadenopathy on physical examination and radiographically can suggest a wide range of differential diagnoses for patients, including a benign inflammatory process, infection, or malignancy. This article describes a patient with a history of Hodgkin lymphoma who developed postremission left axillary lymphadenopathy caused by deposits of tattoo ink in the node. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A variety of side effects following the tattooing of the skin were reported over the years. Analytical studies showed that some tattoo inks contain harmful compounds. Methods: We presented six patient cases with cutaneous malignancies in tattooed skin and performed an extensive literature research. Results: Two patients with black ink tattoos that were diagnosed with malignant melanoma raises the number of described cases to 36 patients. One of the patients developed an immunologic reaction limited to the tattoo area after treatment with a targeted immune therapy. In the other patient, the malignancy (malignant melanoma) was fatal. Basal cell carcinoma was seen in four patients with tattoos containing varying ink colors (black, green, red). This increased the number of described patient cases to 18. Although some ink components and their cleavage products have carcinogenic properties, epidemiological evidence for a causative correlation fails. Further epidemiologic studies on tattoos and malignancies, as well as on the appearance of naevi in tattoos, are necessary. Determining the type of mutation might be helpful to separate sun-induced tumors from skin cancers due to other pathogenic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tattoo is associated with crime and lawlessness, and individuals who have tattoos are either respected or feared by others. In the modern era, Indonesians have begun to broaden their minds to eradicate negative stereotypes toward people who have tattoos. As a result of the mixing of foreign cultures that have entered Indonesia, not even a few minors feel compelled to have tattoos on their body parts. In recent years, a phenomenon has occurred in the growth of tattoo communities, where members gather and support one another. One of tattoo communities is the RR Kakek Gaul. This research aims to analyze why the members decided to get tattoos on their bodies and how they interpreted their tattoos. In order to help the researchers doing the analysis, the researchers used Semiotics concept from Roland Barthes and signs from Peirce. The sources were taken from the RR Kakek Gaul Community's Instagram and YouTube accounts, which focused on two community members in particular. The findings of this study indicated that members of the RR Kakek Gaul Community attempted to convey messages of optimism about the future by eradicating negative stereotypes held by non-tattooed individuals. They conveyed these meanings via a tattoo symbol they possessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Question (1669-6581) is the property of Universidad Nacional de La Plata and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Writing of the Self in French-speaking Maghreb literature opens an amalgam space par excellence. The individual memory of a writer is soaked by the collective memory which is forged with the colonial influence, Islam and ancestral or tribal cultures. The Tattooed Memory of the Moroccan writer Abdelkébir Khatibi has a subtitle Autobiography of a decolonized and it exposes the fragments of which the identity of the author and of his compatriots is built. This article shows how memory is inscribed in the body in Khatibi’s thoughts. It is the body of a little boy — the narrator — who has to go through the labyrinth of the narrow streets in the medina to understand the dark and troubled past of colonized people and to insert it into his own memory. He observes tattoos on bodies of old women — bearers of ancestral memory. And these tattoos become for him a deep language bringing him back to his inner being. For Khatibi, the tattoo initiates to remember and it has power to save the integrity of his memory.

Tattoos may be associated with medical complications including, albeit rarely, skin cancer. The features of a 46-year-old man who developed a basal cell carcinoma within a tattoo on his left scapula are described and the characteristics of the other 13 patients (7 men and 6 women) with tattoo-associated basal cell carcinoma are reviewed. The tumor usually occurs on the sun-exposed skin of individuals aged 60 years and older whose tattoo has often been present for 20 years or more. The pathogenesis of a basal cell carcinoma developing within a tattoo may merely be a coincidence. However, there is supporting evidence that the tattoo and the subsequent basal cell carcinoma may be coincident events whereby either tattoo injection-associated trauma or the tattoo pigments and dyes (in their native state or after ultraviolet radiation alteration) or both have a carcinogenic impact on the development of the basal cell carcinoma at that location.

The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of betamethasone in the treatment of local post-tattoo complications, depending on the mode of administration.Materials and methods. The work was carried out on 90 male rats which had been tattooed (n = 30 – a negative control group; n = 30 – a comparison group: a subcutaneous administration of 1 ml of a betamethasone solution; n = 30 – an experimental group: an administration of 1 ml of a betamethasone solution using a tattoo machine), 15 – intact rats. Withdrawal from the experiment took place on the 3rd, 10 th and 21st days. The skin samples were fixed in 10% formalin, followed by histological posting and manufacturing of micropreparations, then staining with hematoxylin and eosin, according to Van Gieson. A morphometric study included determination of the volume fraction (VF) of the epidermis; dermal fibers; pigment; inflammatory cells; macrophages (%), as well as the pigment depth (μm) and the severity of edema.Results. The study found out that in the process of the betamethasone administration using a tattoo machine, the drug was uniformly administrated over the entire area of the tattoo; hereby, the phenomena of edema and inflammatory infiltration were insignificant. The dermal fibers were located in each layer with no signs of edema and with single cells of inflammation, respectively. The data of the histological processing were completely consistent with the results of morphometry: it was found out that in the experimental group, edema significantly decreased, the volume fraction of the pigment and macrophages decreased, and the volume fraction of the dermal fibers increased. The estimation of the inflammatory reaction was carried out according to the morphometric parameters of the volume fraction of inflammatory cells and had significant differences in all the experimental groups, decreasing in the following series: the negative control group> the comparison group> the experimental group> the group of intact animals (p

The paper deals with tattoos of Catholic women from Bosnia and Herzegovina, function of the tattoo from the identity, religious and communication aspect, primarily as a means of non-verbal visual communication as well as its contemporary perception. The traditional/religious tattoo on the example of tattooed Catholic women from BiH, which is the subject of this research, represents a conscious bodily modification historically conditioned by the environment and culture. The paper studied perception of traditional/religious tattoos taking into consideration the fact that more than 90% of the population of the Republic of Croatia are declared believers and whether a person with a tattooed religious symbol is a believer, or whether that person is perceived as a believer because of a tattooed religious symbol/sign. The paper also discusses the possibility of traditional tattoos contribution to the process of new evangelization. The research was conducted on a sample of 310 respondents, and the aim of the research is to determine the perception of religious/traditional tattoos, i.e. whether they are influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, whether it is generally acceptable or declared believers have a more positive attitude and can the traditional tattoo be a communication symbol of declared believers.

Abstract Background Using the Iowa Gambling Test (IGT), we demonstrated previously impaired decision- making process in young tattooed women. The purpose of the present study was to explore the associations among the three facets of impaired inhibition (response inhibition, reflection inhibition and interference inhibition) and decision-making processes in this population. Methods To this end, the participants of the previous study (60 tattooed women and 60 non-tattooed women) were assessed in the Go/NoGo task, a measure of response inhibition, the Matched Familiar Figure Test (MFFT), a measure of reflection inhibition and the Stroop task a measure of interference inhibition. Results Tattooed women were significantly slower than non-tattooed women in the Go/NoGo performance; however, no differences were detected in the MFFT and the Stroop task. A hierarchical regression analysis did not reveal any significant main effects of these inhibition measures on the IGT performance. Conclusions These findings do not support the hypothesis that risky decision in young tattooed women is due to impaired inhibitory control. Further studies are needed to identify the cognitive mechanisms involved in the tendency to risky decisions in young tattooed women.

This article aims to explore the personal name as an aspect of human identity, based on our analysis of several tens of oral-history autobiographical interviews from the USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive (http://vhaonline.usc.edu). The text reflects on the transformations and meanings of name in the war and post-war period, focusing on the compulsory and voluntary name change, but also its loss and supplementation by the (tattooed) number in the concentration camps. In this context we also pay attention to the tattoo as a component of social identity of the Holocaust survivor and different attitudes. In the concluding parts of the text, we also investigate the post-war commemoration of the Holocaust as a process, which aims to return the lost names to the victims of the Nazi genocide of people labelled as “Jews”. Our research points to the tendency to understand name and identity as an indivisible duality, which is mutually influenced. At the same time, it suggests that the loss of name or its compulsory change is not reflected by the survivors as an especially traumatic experience, in the context of following events. A particular symbolic value of personal name can be seen in the cases of the people murdered during the Holocaust, and in the context of current commemorative activities the naming of Shoah victims is of central importance.

The rising global popularity of cosmetic and corrective tattoos has concurrently led to an increased demand for their removal. While in the past, methods like surgical excision, chemical destruction, and dermabrasion were employed, lasers have emerged as a reliable and effective tool for tattoo removal. Increasing technological options and combination treatment strategies have raised the importance of understanding the various approaches to laser tattoo removal along with their respective clinical impact. This CME aims to describe the multifaceted aspects of laser tattoo removal, including the method selection, application principles, and safety considerations. Furthermore, it addresses the factors considered when selecting the most suitable laser to achieve optimal treatment outcomes., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest Dr Marini reports that in the past, he has received honoraria for speaking engagements from Fotona Laser and honoraria for participation in investigational studies with Lumenis. These potential conflicts of interest are disclosed in the interest of transparency and full disclosure. All other authors of this work have declared that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Key Clinical Message: Tattooed pigments often migrate to the regional lymph nodes, leading to staining and swelling of these nodes. This migration can create confusion for surgeons when evaluating regional lymph nodes for staging of malignant disease like breast cancer. A 50‐year‐old woman with left breast carcinoma underwent left mastectomy and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. A cherry blossom tattoo was observed on the left pectoral region, which she had acquired 6 years prior. Two lymph nodes were excised as SLNs and one of the two SLNs exhibited partial pink staining. Serial sections were performed on the block, revealing pinkish particles within the colored area on pathological examination. However, no metastasis was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Systemic contact dermatitis is infrequent and is characterized by a cutaneous eruption in response to an allergen exposure after prior sensitization. It is suggested to be mediated by a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. Diagnosis remains difficult due to the diversity of its clinical presentations. CLINICAL CASE: A 27-year-old female patient, who came to our hospital presenting erythematous and edematous plaques associated with pain and limitation, located on the tattoo on the left leg, which was made 5 days ago. With a history of an old tatoo on the other leg. It resolved a week later, receiving treatment with prednisone and antihistamine. CONCLUSIONS: Tattoos have become more and more popular over the years, therefore, their complications too. The physician should be aware of the adverse effects and the sensitizing components of tattoos in order to avoid triggering factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Worldwide 10–20% of the population is tattooed. However, tattoo complications can occur, such as allergic tattoo reactions, infections, and manifestations of autoimmune dermatoses. Despite the growing popularity of tattoos and changes in tattoo ink composition over the last decades, little is known about these complications, its clinical aspects, pathomechanism, and relative occurrence. Objective: The aim of this article is to describe the types and clinical aspects of dermatological tattoo complications, its relative occurrence and underlying conditions. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study enrolling all patients with tattoo complications from the Tattoo Clinic. Tattoo complications were categorized into infections, inflammatory tattoo reactions, neoplasms, or miscellaneous reactions and correlated to clinical data. Results: Of the total of 326 patients, 301 patients were included with 308 complications. The majority of the complications were chronic: 91.9%. Allergic red tattoo reactions and chronic inflammatory black tattoo reactions (CIBTR) accounted for 50.2% and 18.2%, respectively, of all tattoo complications. Of these CIBTR reactions, extracutaneous involvement was found in 21.4%, including tattoo‐associated uveitis (7.1%) and systemic sarcoidosis (14.2%). Of all black tattoo reactions, systemic sarcoidosis was found in 7.8%. Conclusion: Tattoos can cause a wide range in complications that may start years after getting the tattoo. The most frequent tattoo reactions are allergic red tattoo reactions and chronic inflammatory black tattoo reactions, making these the most relevant for the dermatologist. CIBTR have a high percentage of multi‐organ involvement, and therefore, screening for sarcoidosis, including ocular involvement, is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the analysis of phenomenological discourse from the semiotic perspective, the tattoo semiotic system focuses on linguistic reproduction. Discourse reveals some aspects of sensory perception to the subject. Proper body is a path to the sensory perception of the lost dimensions of meaning and the lived experience of phenomena. The purpose of this study is to investigate the process of sensory perception of phenomenological tattoo in the framework of semiotics of discourse. Throughout the research process and with the development of Merleau-Ponty and Landowski theory, the authors study the written tattoo with the semiotic approach of Paris school of semiotics by dealing with the process of discovering, producing and receiving meaning. In the present study, the findings showed that the phenomenological tattoo leads the semiotic system of language towards the discovery of the lived experience of presence and reveals the hidden layers of meaning and conceal the obvious meanings. This is a feature of meta-discourse that manifests itself within discourse in order to achieve power and immortality, and leads to transcendence of semiotic system of discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the ongoing shift in the meaning and importance of traditional Kalinga tattoos that is happening in Buscalan village in the Philippines. The starting point for the analysis is the conception of disintegration of "the aura", as defined by Walter Benjamin, resulting from their disembedding from time and space that is caused by technological reproducibility of the artworks. The study shows that the basis of the aura of Buscalan tattoos is their relation to a successful headhunt. At present, tattoos in Buscalan are standing on the edge, because the high popularity of the last tattoo artist who tattooed the head-hunters leads to commodification of traditional tattoos and an increase in tourism in the particular area. The study describes a two-way process of disintegration and preservation of the aura of Buscalan tattoos: on the one hand, the tradition of tattooing headhunters has disappeared, but on the other hand, the aura of tattoos is preserved thanks to audiovisual means and sharing on social networking sites. The "here and now" of the place and its tattoos is being transferred into the hyper-reality where Buscalan tattoos are gaining a new dimension [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been increasing reports of tattoo-associated mycobacterial infections in recent years, with a number of outbreaks documented worldwide. This has therefore become a public health concern. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are capable of producing skin and soft tissue infections typically via inoculation during surgery, trauma, and cosmetic procedures. We present a case of tattoo-associated cutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium mageritense, a rare species of rapidly growing NTM. A 25-year-old man developed a rash on his left lower leg 4 weeks after he underwent professional tattooing. A skin swab identified M. mageritense complex. Based on susceptibility testing, a course of oral ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was initiated, with significant improvement observed after 5 weeks. We speculate that the mechanism of inoculation was a result of either the artist using nonsterile water to dilute black ink to gray or from use of contaminated prediluted gray ink. The Therapeutic Goods Administration does not have regulatory authority over the sterility of tattoo inks or practices in Australia. Instead, tattoo practices are regulated by local government jurisdictions. Because of the variability seen in clinical presentation and challenges associated with organism identification, a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose mycobacterial infections. Infection caused by NTM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tattoo-associated dermatological complications, particularly in patients who have chronic lesions, negative bacterial cultures, and fail to respond to standard antibiotic therapy. Mandatory regulations for safe tattoo practices should be considered to prevent outbreaks and ensure public safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For thousands of years, people have changed the appearance of their bodies with cosmetics, jewelry, tattoos, piercings and other surgical procedures. Body piercing and tattooing are practiced in almost every culture. In some cases, they may be associated with ritual ceremonies and religious rites. Very often tattooing and piercing poses significant health risks. This article presents some of the health risks associated with the most common body modifications (tattoos and piercings). The ever-increasing number of people with tattoos and piercings and the risks they may pose to health is the reason European Commission has taken measures to regulate the use of certain paints for tattooing, due to suspicions they are carcinogenic. The latest changes that Brussels has made to the regulation ban green and blue colors in some cosmetic products. From January 4th, 2022 the introduction of more stringent control over tattoo paints is forthcoming, as experts believe that as a long-term consequence the ink in the skin can lead to cancer, genetic mutations, reproductive problems and allergies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent make-up tattooing as a cosmetic procedure is gaining popularity especially among women. Although it is considered a relatively safe intervention, the ink used can rarely be a trigger of sarcoidosis. Uveitis can occur as part of this inflammatory process. In this study, we describe two ladies presented with tattoo-associated uveitis as the first manifestations of systemic sarcoidosis. They developed intermediate uveitis shortly after skin inflammation several months after permanent make-up tattooing of eyebrows. Lung involvement, high ACE levels, and negative PPD were present. Skin granuloma formation was diffuse over the area of tattoo in one patient and localized in the other one. This is the first report of uveitis following make-up tattoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe tattoo ink marking of axillary lymph nodes (TIMAN) and the elements leading to successful removal at sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective image review was conducted of breast cancer patients who underwent SLNB after TIMAN from February 2013 to August 2017, noting patient and tattooed lymph node (TLN) features, initial biopsy type, time to surgery, if the TLN was identified at surgery, and correlation with the SLN. Cases were divided into two groups: the presurgical group, which had primary surgery, and the pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) group, which underwent surgery after completing NACT. Results: Of 30 patients who underwent 32 TIMAN procedures, 10 (33.3%) were presurgical and 20 (66.7%) were pre-NACT. The average lymph node (LN) depth from the skin was 1.6 cm, with an average of 0.3 mL of tattoo ink injected. Of 32 procedures, 29 (90.6%) had US images demonstrating the injection. Of these, 10 (34.5%) were injected in the LN cortex surface and 19 (65.5%) in the middle cortex. Seven (24.1%) were injected in the LN lateral aspect, 12 (41.4%) in the mid aspect, and 10 (34.5%) in the medial aspect. Of 32 LNs, 28 (87.5%) were tattooed immediately after initial biopsy and 4 (12.5%) at a later date. At SLNB, all 32 (100%) TLNs were identified, all correlated with the SLN, and 10 (31.3%) were positive for cancer. Conclusion: Using an average of 0.3 mL of tattoo ink, all TLNs were successfully identified for removal at surgery, despite variability in LN and injection factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several case reports and outbreaks reported occurrence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections within 6 months after receiving a tattoo in healthy individuals. NTM species (e.g., Chelonae, Fortuitum, Hemophillum, and Abscessus) are widespread in the environment and it is often suspected that contamination may occur through unsterile instrumentation or unsterile water used for diluting tattoo ink to dilute color. In reported cases, lesions were mainly restricted to a single color ‘gray’ part of the tattoo. Mycobacterium Chelonae was the most common cause of tattoo associated NTM infections. Less than 50% of the case reports tested tattoo ink for acid fast bacilli stains and cultures. Subjects required treatment with either clarithromycin alone or in combination with quinolones for 6 to 9 months. An increase in NTM skin infections in healthy individuals after tattooing indicates the need for sterile standards during tattooing and improved local and regional regulatory oversight.

While body modifications have increasingly gained acceptance and popularity, how different subpopulations aesthetically appreciate tattoos remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the conceptual structure underlying tattoo aesthetics, focusing on the effects of internalized social norms and expertise. Using a timed free-listing task, three groups (≤49 years, ≥50 years, and experts) comprising 497 participants were asked to write down adjectives that could describe tattoo aesthetics. Statistical analyses of frequency, cognitive salience indices, co-occurrence dimensions, semantic dimensions, similarity measures, and valences were applied and, to directly compare the three groups, a generalized Procrustes analysis was applied. The variance and complexity with which individuals verbally expressed their perceived aesthetic appeal of tattoos were highlighted. However, the results do not reveal a unified concept of beauty, nor do they present a clear bipolar dimension of beautiful/ugly for two of the three groups. Nevertheless, the concept of beauty was found to be prominent in tattoo aesthetics, and aesthetic and descriptive–evaluative dimensions were identified, with terms such as beautiful, ugly, multicolored, and interesting being the most notable adjectives, although not with the highest valence. Possible factors explaining the intracultural differences between the three groups are also discussed.

Tattoos are not mentioned as a source of exposure to nickel. Traces of nickel are, however, almost inevitably found in tattoo inks as impurities and sometimes in tattooed skin. Whether nickel in tattoos has any health consequence is debated. We performed a narrative review of what is currently known about this topic. Today, nickel is frequently detected in inks, but at highly variable levels. It appears to be at higher concentrations in green, blue, and sometimes brown and violet inks. Only nickel allergy in tattooed individuals and nickel-associated tattoo ink allergy are addressed in the literature. Reports of tattoo ink allergy related to nickel are rare and heterogenous. Authors often neglect possible implications of other metals or dyes. A positive patch test is not enough to confirm the role of nickel in a reaction observed after tattooing. We found no report of any systemic complication attributed to nickel from tattoos. The Council of Europe bans the presence of nickel at high levels in tattoo inks, which is a safety net for individuals with nickel allergy. Large epidemiologic case-control studies with systematic biopsies on normal and inflamed tattoos and patch testing would help to understand the role of nickel in tattoo ink allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of pigmented lesions on tattooed skin poses a diagnostic challenge for dermatologists, as a nevus may be partially or completely obscured by tattoo pigment. Because of incidences of melanoma arising from tattooed skin, the current gold standard is to biopsy these lesions. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive imaging modality used in the diagnosis and management of skin diseases that may allow for diagnosis, while preserving the tattoo design. Retrospective chart review was conducted to identify pigmented lesions on or near tattooed skin that were evaluated with RCM. Confocal characteristics and diagnoses were recorded and analyzed. Nineteen lesions from 15 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Tattoo pigment did not hinder evaluation and diagnosis of pigmented lesions on RCM. About 94.7% of lesions were diagnosed as benign melanocytic nevi by an expert confocal reader. One lesion was confocally diagnosed as melanocytic nevus with atypia but was found to be an inflamed melanocytic nevus on histology. Tattoo pigment particles were differentiated from other hyper-refractile entities by an expert confocal reader based on size, morphology, and clinical correlation. RCM may provide a solution to the diagnostic challenge of pigmented lesions on or near tattooed skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tattooing has been around for many years and is becoming an increasingly common fashion trend. As there are often few regulatory laws regarding the practice, an increase in the incidence of cutaneous reactions to tattoo inks is noted. These include allergic reactions, granulomatous dermatitis, infections, lichenoid dermatoses, and sometimes malignancy. The present study examines the histopathological changes seen in patients with cutaneous reactions to tattoo ink. Method: A prospective observational study was conducted over 18 months in the dermatology clinic of a tertiary care center in western India. The study population included 22 patients with cutaneous reactions over the tattoos. Punch biopsy specimens were sent to study the pattern of histopathological response. Results: All 22 patients studied were between the ages of 17 and 35 years. The mean duration of development of reaction was 8.1 months. Most of the reactions were seen in black ink tattoos performed by amateurs. Perivascular and spongiotic dermatitis suggestive of allergic response was the most common feature on histopathology. Granulomatous response and lichenoid response were seen in five and three biopsies, respectively. Conclusion: Legalization is needed for this practice to prevent tattoo reactions. Histopathological evaluation is important as tattoo reactions may be associated with skin infections and malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the tradition of facial tattooing among Drung women in Yunnan province, China. Now obsolete, the practice of female tattooing--by puncturing the skin, causing bleeding and pain--used to enable and mark the social and physiological time of the transition to nubility, thus preparing women for their fertile becoming. The analysis focuses on the gradual, quasi-initiatory transition to womanhood established by tattoos, both during girls' playful trial tattoo sessions or on the occasion of the formal execution of the facial tattoo by a fully experienced woman. The article shows that tattooing should be understood as a processual construction of womanhood that builds on preparatory play and is inseparable from the specific relationships between women involving fertility, which is transmitted, "revealed," and represented by tattooing. Passed down exclusively by women, regardless of their relationships of consanguinity or affinity, tattooing exposes a form of transversal relatedness beyond any descent and alliance relationships. The embodiment of this mystical influence is vital if a woman is to be assigned her destiny, her social role as perpetuator of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to use experimental archaeology and comparative studies in order to obtain a potential answer to the theory that UC 7790 is a set of tattooing implements. Comparing the tools, methods, and inks of other cultures that practice tattooing is a way to offer some guidance regarding the identification of tattooing tools in the archaeological record. The experiment reproduced the original points using the closest modern metal and tested each one with an organic mixture of charcoal and water, and Indian ink as a control ink. The reproduced needles are tested on pigskin and human skin to test efficacy and healing. The experiment proves that UC 7790 may have been tattoo needles as they successfully tattoo human skin and were probably hafted implements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of the deceased is a critical responsibility of the death investigation system. If visual identification is inconclusive, tattoos can provide secondary identification but may be difficult to visualize at various stages of decomposition. We describe the case of a 35-year-old male found submerged underwater by police after swimming at a pier. The decedent was last seen earlier that day. Signs of immersion including sodden hands, feet, and clothing, wet sand on the torso and legs, and heavy edematous legs were observed. The post-mortem blood alcohol concentration was 427 mg/100 mL; signs of recent traumatic injury were not present. The immediate cause of death was drowning as a consequence of ethanol intoxication. When pulled from the water, the decedent's shoulder tattoo was not visible. Cross-polarized lighting and infrared photography visualized the tattoo to help confirm identity. These photographic methods were compared to hydrogen peroxide and optical coherence tomography techniques and described in detail to assist with future cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous malignancies may uncommonly arise in the setting of injury to the skin from a variety of etiologies. While melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) have all been reported at tattoo sites, BCC is the least common, with the present case being only the 12th such case reported in the literature. We present a case of a large BCC of 15 years duration arising within a blue/black tattoo on the patient's left upper arm. The patient was treated with 6 weeks of imiquimod cream with promising results and started a second 6-week regimen to clear residual tumor. Of the 12 reported cases of BCC arising within tattoo sites, the majority of patients have been male (7/12 patients) and the majority of the BCCs developed within the blue or black pigment of the tattoo (8/12 patients) on sun-exposed skin (9/12 patients). The average age at the diagnosis is 53.5 years, and the average duration between tattoo placement and BCC onset is 18.3 years. It has been hypothesized that tattoo ink may be related to the development of malignancies as either a primary carcinogen or cocarcinogen with ultraviolet exposure. Nevertheless, the link between tattoo ink and malignancy may also be coincidental considering the number of tattooed individuals worldwide and the extreme rarity of BCCs that have developed in tattoos. Our purpose is to raise the awareness of the development of cutaneous malignancies within tattoo sites and encourage the physicians to include cutaneous malignancy in the differential diagnosis of “rash” arising in a tattoo.

We report an uncommon case of a cutaneous infection with Mycobacterium fortuitum arising in a new tattoo. A 29-year-old man presented with a several month history of a non-pruritic papular eruption within a tattoo; the papules developed 1-to-2 weeks after the tattoo procedure. He denied similar symptoms with previous tattoos. He had been treated unsuccessfully with cephalexin. Histopathologic examination revealed perifollicular chronic and granulomatous inflammation, consistent with chronic folliculitis. Acid-fast bacilli culture identified Mycobacterium fortuitum complex. The patient was treated with a 2-month course of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160mg/800mg twice daily) and ciprofloxacin (250 mg twice daily), with clinical improvement at follow up after three weeks of the antibiotic regimen. Rapidly growing mycobacteria have emerged as a cause of tattoo-associated cutaneous infection in recent years. Diagnosis and treatment can be difficult without clinical suspicion. M. fortuitum and other rapidly growing mycobacteria should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tattoo-associated dermatologic complications.

Importance: Cutaneous sarcoidosis can present in pre-existing tattoos. Previous reports suggest modest improvement with systemic or topical corticosteroids or other immunomodulating medications. Tetracyclines have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be efficacious in non-tattoo associated cutaneous sarcoidosis. The pharmacology of minocycline suggests that its higher concentration in the skin may improve its efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous granulomas.Case Report: We present a case of a 35-year-old man with a history of pulmonary sarcoidosis who developed raised plaques within tattoos present for over 10 years. Skin biopsy findings revealed non-caseating granulomas consistent with cutaneous sarcoidosis. The patient was started on minocycline 100mg twice daily and had resolution of pruritus in four days and improvement of sarcoidal plaques within one week.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of cutaneous sarcoidosis in tattoos treated with minocycline. Our patient’s rapid response to minocycline suggests that minocycline may be a quickly effective medication for cutaneous sarcoidosis and should be considered as a therapeutic option given its favorable side-effect profile.

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory disease, usually of the anogenital area, that causes intractable itching and soreness. Less commonly, it may have extragenital involvement in 15 to 20% of cases. Lichen sclerosus has been reported at sites of injury as a Koebner phenomenon. We report a case of lichen sclerosus at the site of a tattoo with simultaneous genital involvement.

Abstract Background Allergic reactions to tattoos are amongst the most common side effects occurring with this permanent deposition of pigments into the dermal skin layer. The characterization of such pigments and their distribution has been investigated in recent decades. The health impact of tattoo equipment on the extensive number of people with inked skin has been the focus of neither research nor medical diagnostics. Although tattoo needles contain high amounts of sensitizing elements like nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr), their influence on metal deposition in skin has never been investigated. Results Here, we report the deposition of nano- and micrometer sized tattoo needle wear particles in human skin that translocate to lymph nodes. Usually tattoo needles contain nickel (6–8%) and chromium (15–20%) both of which prompt a high rate of sensitization in the general population. As verified in pig skin, wear significantly increased upon tattooing with the suspected abrasive titanium dioxide white when compared to carbon black pigment. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy of the tattoo needle revealed a high wear after tattooing with ink containing titanium dioxide. The investigation of a skin biopsy obtained from a nickel sensitized patient with type IV allergy toward a tattoo showed both wear particles and iron pigments contaminated with nickel. Conclusion Previously, the virtually inevitable nickel contamination of iron pigments was suspected to be responsible for nickel-driven tattoo allergies. The evidence from our study clearly points to an additional entry of nickel to both skin and lymph nodes originating from tattoo needle wear with an as yet to be assessed impact on tattoo allergy formation and systemic sensitization.

Tattoo is one of the most frequently used techniques of permanent body decoration, it is a graphic sign obtained on the skin as a result of the introduction of dye into the skin tissue. It happens that the tattoo begins to disturb, life circumstances change, the tattoo reminds you of something you would like to forget. The development of tattoo removal methods is the expression of a search for a method to completely remove it without damaging the tissue. The methods used so far include: lasers, surgery, peels, dermabrasion (chemical and mechanical), cryosurgery, electrosurgery, light coagulation in the infrared range, salabrasia (use of sodium chloride), camouflage, etc., however, no method guarantees complete removal of the tattoo.

In the research we focus on opinions of students from FTVŠ UK about tattoos. Tattoos are defined as kind of needling colorful elements into injured skin. Tattoos are very popular among young people, however in our society there are various opinions on them. Tattoos are a form of self-expression, a reference to some social group, a fashion accessory or simple a need to differ from others. There are some health risks according to tattoos such as AIDS, hepatitis C or tetanus but also allergies, cysts or bleeding. Prejudices toward tattoos are lower when a person has his own tattoo on body. Some researchers found out that people who wear tattoos are more liable to alcohol and drug usage and their sexual behavior is more risky compared to people who don’t wear tattoos. Another research focused on relationship between wearing a tattoo and self-confidence or wearing a tattoo and personality characteristics. They found out that women who wear four or more tattoos seemed to be more self-confident compared to women who don’t wear any tattoo or who wear three or less tattoos. Another finding was that people who wear tattoos are more conscientious, extroverted, sexually unattached and they were in more need of attention and uniqueness compared to people who don’t wear any tattoo. Another topic is prejudice to tattoos and tattooed people entirely. Considering another research, it seemed to be common that people who don’t have tattoo have more prejudices to tattooed people regarding to larger area tattooed. So, the larger area on body is tattooed the more prejudices from people without tattoos are coming. Tattooed people seemed to be more tolerant to other people tattoos. We used a non-standardized questionnaire made by us to find out the opinions of students. Research sample consisted of 142 students (n=142), average age was 20,26 years. Following our findings, we found out that in our research sample there were 17,6% of respondents who have tattoo and even 83,8% of respondents like tattoos. In future would like to have a tattoo 39,4% of respondents, 23,2% don’t want any and 37,3% don’t know yet. Majority of respondents (57%) think that tattoo is considered neutral in our society, 40,2% think that tattoos are acceptable and 2,8% think that tattoos are not acceptable in our society. Moreover 90,1% of respondents consider tattoos as a form of art. The most objections to tattoos in various professions had health workers when 18,4% of respondents present they have a problem with health workers wearing a tattoo. Next profession with the most objections to tattoos was government workers with 17,6% and teachers, trainers and workers on official positions (such as bank workers or driver in public transport) least objections to tattoos (9,2%). Our respondents were very satisfied with their tattoos (75%) or satisfied with their tattoos (25%). None of our respondents was unsatisfied with his or her tattoo. The strongest motive to get a tattoo was a personally important event or memory in 60% of respondents with tattoo. In our research sample there were 4,2% smokers, 19,7% occasional smokers, 4,2% past smokers and 71,8% nonsmokers. We found a significant negative relationship between having a tattoo and use of alcohol and significant relationship between having a tattoo and planning to get a tattoo in future. Another finding is that there is a significant negative relationship between liking tattoos and objections against tattoos among healthcare workers.